The sun slowly wakes up from a pleasant night, stretching, then shines its gentle rays through the soft clouds to welcome a new day. While the residents of the earth are still nestled in the warm embrace of dreams, Cecil is already starting her day under the hood of the home. As per routine, she begins by preparing a delightful breakfast for all before shifting her focus toward the patients. She casually walks from her respective room to the main kitchen. Throughout the empty hallway, Cecil got a chance to appreciate the view as well as the fresh breeze slowly slipping its way into the mansion. A scene she got used to, yet why did every experience feel like the first time? Despite being alone now, the warmth of light glimmering through the windows became her tender companion, a smile slowly painted.
However, today is unlike any other. Just as she stepped out in joy, they suddenly came to a stop. A figure entered her vision, standing right at the back entrance that leads to the forest. Surely, curiosity got the best of Cecil. It seems that this figure is doing something quite suspicious. From a cloaked hood to the decent bag, everything appears wrong about that mysterious… man. Should Cecil pretend she saw nothing or continue her day as usual? “What if the man has malicious intentions?” She thought. A flood of scenarios runs through her mind, yet they all do not end well. Cecil needs to do something, and this is her only chance. Cecil made the quick decision to dash back to her room. She grabbed a thin coat from a hook and headed for the edge of the forest in the hopes that she would make it in time. Fortunately, Fate is on her side, as the man is still within her sight. Running all out in the early forest, Cecil pursues the figure with all of her might. What greets her along the way is the sound of the rustling of leaves as she passes through.
There can be no question that a man outmuscles Cecil physically, with clear evidence of the distance they have. Consequently, the remaining energy was quickly expended, forcing her to pause so she could catch her breath. The poor girl, heaving for air, while her eyes drifted down to the ground. The moment she glanced up, the familiar figure was already nowhere to be seen. A sense of loss covers her heart. Leaning on the blurry memory, step by step, she crosses the rough road. The woods’ paths are not always kind, its mischief could trap any wanderer in an infinite maze. In the end, becoming a part of the forest will be those lost souls’ destiny. With each fumbling step, she knows it’s only a matter of time before this body reaches its limit. Yet, her determination can’t be moved. In this situation, the old Cecil would definitely fall into fear and falter. Though strong on the outside, Cecil has always tried to hide her weak self. The little girl is sobbing, her muddy hands wiping away the tears in vain. She hates herself for that, hates how weak her body is to not even be able to catch up with that man. If she can’t do something as simple as this, then how is she going to bemable to help him? But Luke... he has taught her what courage is. From the day he became a fighter, death hung over his head, waiting for the right moment. Every battle, every challenge, he faced with an unwavering determination, even the marks they mercilessly left on his body, suffering him in pain when the night came. A brave yet lonely man. Take a deep breath, Cecil continues her journey, for her heart is fueled by him.
Until then, Cecil heard something, the sound of chattering and footsteps coming in her direction. When she raised her head, she noticed a group of men who appeared to be bandits and were ostensibly looking for prey. Cecil tried her best to duck down into the bush next to the tree after becoming instantly aware of the danger nearby. Her hands were tightly clasped around her gasping mouth. The very next thing she observes is total silence, as though everything in this world has come to a complete stop. Cecil looked forward but couldn't see any living souls. A relieved sigh escaped. “I’m safe now,” she presumed.
Deep down, somehow it doesn’t feel right. Abruptly turned back, a bandit greeted her in an obnoxious tone, “Found ya.” Reflex kicks in, and the girl backs up towards the trunk. Before her is the grim face of a strange man, with a sense of murder surrounding him. The man let out a deviant laugh, pleased to have such quality prey after days in these woods. He put his fingers up Cecil’s face, lifting the chin. The bandits lock eyes with her, their disgusting breath bearing the sight of a cold blood animal. “What should I do with you?” the predator proudly examined his prey. Cecil can no longer tolerate the brat. No, she must fight to her last breath. Once again, the desire to survive is flowing through her veins, and the desire to act is heightened. A fraction of the time is all it takes for the girl to land a heavy punch on the man beforehand. Experiencing such an abrupt move, the bandit stumbles to the ground, hugging his face. Now is her chance. Despite all the sore muscles screaming in pain, the mind remains steadfast. Cecil, powered by the will of life, swiftly evades the dangerous scene into the unknown.
No matter how hard she tried.
No matter what effort it shall take.
Unfortunately, Cecil dropped her glass, causing it to break. None of that matters now, she is surely tripping herself with her deteriorated vision. Just to be recaptured by the other group members. So close that she could escape. Now, they use a robe to tightly strap her against the trunk, with a piece of cloth blocking her mouth, preventing any further bawling. “Is this the end of my life?” A painful strand of thought passes through the mind. I will go like this... with a thousand things trapped in my heart? Cecil could not withhold the bitter stream of tears anymore. They are gushing out of the pupils of a person who is on the verge of giving up on life. No one could save her, especially in the middle of the woods. Cecil does realize the harsh reality, and despair deepens its blade into the fragile heart.
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“Let go of her," a cold voice came from behind the bandit. Cecil’s green eyes widened in astonishment. Though her vision is blurry, she knows that familiar figure. Here he is…Luke. A spark of happiness glittered deep down in her heart, only to vanish in fear. The fear of him being hurt. The cloth on her mouth blocks all the words she wants to say, only leaving out sporadic whining. Cecil struggles in the bandit's tight arms, despite the knife pointing at her neck. Please…run. Tears of impotence rolled down. Never in her dream, did she want to be a tool to be used against him like this moment. If even just a scratch is left on him, she can’t ever forgive herself. Contrary to what she hoped for, Luke did not even flinch. The chestnut eyes give her nothing, but all the tenderness of this world is now frozen as ice. “Not so fast, give us all the money, or what you get is the girl’s corpse.” The bandits with the knives are ready to destroy Luke at any moment. From her blurry eyes, she can see his thin lips move. He is saying something.
Close your eyes.
Cecil obediently follows. Without the eyes, all other senses seem to be enhanced. She can hear the screaming, the sound of a knife cutting through flesh. Soon, the arm that imprisoned her was free. Is it over? Cecil didn’t dare open her eyes. Not until she heard a footstep coming toward her. A warm hand caresses her cheek gently, the hand she has known too well, of a person who has shown up in her dream countless times. The big hand found its way behind her head, freeing her mouth. “I’m sorry,", a raucous voice fell above her head. Even though she was the one who put him through this, he still blames himself. His hands, lingering on her shoulder, wanted to hold her but didn't dare to. Before she could say anything, Luke turned away and said, “Please go back, this place is dangerous.” Didn’t even wait for her answer, Luke quickly picked up the knife from the ground and prepared to leave. However, this time, things are not going as he planned. Cecil gripped his cloak tightly, his green eyes filled with unmoved determination. Without the usual glasses, her eyes were even more beautiful, carving deep into his heart. It seems he can’t just let go, and besides, he can’t bet on her safety any longer. “You left me no choice," Luke sighed, “But promise me to never put yourself in danger again.” Cecil nodded happily.
The bright sun didn’t know when to hide away behind the clouds. The sky was painted with a glimpse of the sunset. The moon finally wakes up from its sleep and hangs in the night sky. Unlike the last time, Luke purposely slowed his steps to match her. Without the glasses, her vision is getting worse when the lights go out. Afraid of her getting lost again, though reluctantly, Luke’s hand gripped hers assuredly. The girl can’t help but smile sweetly. Though she has made an impulsive decision today, at this moment, she doesn’t regret it.
The night comes, and so does the coldness. Luke kindly prepared enough tools and necessities for scenarios like this one. After taking a while to scan the appropriate area in order to set up a camp, the two finally chose one in an open cave. While Luke gathered the tree trunks for fuel, Cecil prepared the sleeping area. Certainly, their whole setup is extremely plain, yet in such a case, they could not ask for more. Military rations become their dinner tonight, simple but hearty, together, they sit against the cave wall, eyes lost in the sea of thoughts. The two did not say anything, nor did either of them feel the need to. A comfortable silence. Perhaps, sometimes, each other's presence is already enough. While busy staring at the flame, suddenly a cloak covers her, warming her with the warmth of its master. Cecil can’t answer the burning feeling on her cheeks, either because of the fire or from the simple gesture of the man sitting next to her. “Where are you going this time?” Cecil broke the silence. Luke doesn’t answer right away, his chestnut eyes fill with complexity. "Home," he answered. Home… a powerful word. Though she has met him for quite a while, his past, the whole picture is still a mystery to her. She wants to know every inch of him. But will he accept her own story? She is willing to bet this time.
‘I envy you,” she smiles lightly, “I don’t have a home.”
A long time ago, there was a little girl. She was cursed, they said, for having the color of blood on her hair. Even her beauty brings her nothing but misfortune. Witch…Devil…she has heard all the worst things in this world. Is this what she asked for? Never. All she wants is to have a family... a home. To love and be loved. She never knew if she really cursed or not. Her beloved mother, exchanged her life to bring her into this world. Her beloved father follows the love of his life in grief. The only one left in this lonely world is her, Cecilia. Maybe they were right, maybe there was really a curse put on her, for anyone she loved would soon leave her side. Even though this world didn’t treat her nicely, she was still grateful. “Be brave, Cecilia, and enjoy this beautiful world," were the words her parents left behind.
“I’m proud of you, Cecil”, Luke patting her head softly, “You are the bravest I ever met.”
“I will always be your home."
The smiling of Lily, the welcoming hands of Theodore, and the rest of the mansion have soon become her family…her home. And now the home of her heart is where he is.